The Best Study Abroad Program! Past Review

By (Spanish, Ursinus College) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/07/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I learned better patience and I am now more independent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved traveling around the country with the program and visiting many organizations involved in social movements. Argentina is a beautiful country and this program allows you to take advantage of all it has to offer.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

This program is great because SIT provides you with a stipend a few times throughout the program for lunch and transportation. Also, you do a lot of traveling with the program so it will minimalize the amount of travel you do on your own which can be more expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 at most
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring CASH! It might be scary carrying a lot of cash through the airport but you will get the best exchange rate.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Speaking Spanish was highly encouraged, but the majority of the time I spoke English with the other students in the program. I do not recommend this though, speak as much Spanish as you can while in the country!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPAN 340
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak Spanish with your peers and speak with your host family and natives as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling
  • The staff/professors
  • Homestay/Rural Homestay
* What could be improved?
  • Some organization of activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring cash! Also, there will be times when you get homesick but just remember that you are in a new place and you have the opportunity have new adventures.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.